When you need to apostille a Missouri marriage certificate, you will need to make sure to have a certified copy of the vital record beforehand. If you need to order one, your best bet is to go through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Here's what their website says about obtaining one:
Many Missouri residents can quickly obtain their birth, death, marriage, and divorce records at the local level. There are some types of vital records only available at the county level, and other types of records that are only available from the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City.
In the State of Missouri, vital records are not open to the general public. Copies of vital records are provided to specifically defined individuals or entities. This helps protect identities, prevent fraud, and preserve the integrity of vital records. State law only allows a certified copy of a vital record to be issued to a person with a direct and tangible interest in the record. Learn more about who can obtain a copy of a vital record.
The following vital records are available for request:
In Missouri, two different marriage related documents are available for issuance. A marriage statement and a marriage certificate. The Certified Statement Relating to Marriage issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services in Jefferson City will only include the names of both spouses, date of marriage, and county where the marriage was recorded. Certified statements can be helpful if an individual is not certain of the county in which the marriage was recorded. An actual certified copy of the original marriage certificate may only be obtained by contacting the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the license was obtained.
Where are these records available? Local level – Certified copy of the original marriage certificate. No statement available. State level – Certified Statement Relating to Marriage. No certificate available. Reporting of marriages began in July 1, 1948.
How can I order a copy? Local level – Varies. Contact county recorder of deeds directly. State level – In person, mail, and phone/online via VitalChek. See How to Obtain a Copy of a Vital Record
Missouri Marriage Certificate Apostille
There is no margin for error with the Authentication or Apostille process. If mistakes are made, both your time and money will be wasted and you'll have to start all over again. If you want to look into outsourcing this part of preparing to studying abroad to someone with experience, please email me at jared@apostillellc.com or call 848-467-7740 to request my services or learn more.
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